Early Voting Begins For D.C. Mayoral Race

WASHINGTON (WNEW/AP) — Voters are getting their first chance to cast ballots in a scandal-marred race for District of Columbia mayor.

Early voting begins Monday for the District’s April 1 Democratic primary. The opening was delayed a few hours due to the snowstorm.

Voters can cast early ballots starting Monday at the downtown Judiciary Square office building that houses the Board of Elections. The building normally opens at 8:30 a.m., but was delayed opening until 10 a.m. on Monday due to the snow.

Mayor Vincent Gray is seeking a second term amid allegations by federal prosecutors that he knew about an illegal, $668,000 “shadow campaign” waged on his behalf when he ran for mayor in 2010. Gray has not been charged with a crime.

The mayor faces seven challengers, including four D.C. councilmembers: Muriel Bowser, Jack Evans, Vincent Orange and Tommy Wells. Councilmember David Catania, an independent, will run against the primary winner.

(TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)